Anyone who takes it upon himself, on his private…
“Anyone who takes it upon himself, on his private authority, to break a bad law, thereby authorizes everyone else to break the good ones.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Individual defiance of unjust laws legitimizes broader civil disobedience.
In simple terms: Breaking bad laws justifies breaking good ones.
Key Takeaway
Question authority when laws are unjust.
Themes
law
authority
civil disobedience
ethics
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- political activism
- legal reform
- community organizing
Key Concepts
social contract
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- When is breaking a law justified?
- How to differentiate bad from good laws?
A Different Perspective
May lead to chaos if misapplied.